Is cash still widely used?
Rarely. Lithuania has embraced cashless payments strongly. Cards are accepted at virtually all businesses in Vilnius and other cities. Even rural areas and smaller towns have improving card infrastructure. Mobile payments via apps are also growing rapidly.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in cities and larger towns. Swedbank and SEB machines are the most common.
- Fees for foreign non-EU cards are around 3 EUR per withdrawal
- Good availability in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda
- Rural areas have fewer ATMs but card acceptance has improved
Card acceptance
Excellent. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually all businesses. Contactless is standard and widely used.
Tips for travelers
- Cards work well throughout Lithuania for most situations
- Carry a small amount of cash for rural markets and older guesthouses
- Lithuania is affordable by Western European standards
- Vilnius is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals — well worth a visit